EVERY-THING SPORTS
Why we think something is going on between the Rockets and the national media
Mar 31, 2023, 11:31 am
EVERY-THING SPORTS
Let's face it. Houston has an inferiority complex when it comes to the national media's coverage of their sports teams. Fans of the local teams do not like the way national media covers, or doesn't cover, the teams here. While I do agree there can be a lack of respect and attention paid to teams here, let's not act like the local teams have given them much to desire. Save the Astros current run, the Rockets have been abysmal and the Texans have been a joke.
The Astros threw in a scandal to spice things up. All that did was call into question their credibility. They gave everyone a major “eff you” this past season. The Texans are on the cuff of something special, but it took a while to clean up the mess that was left behind. The Rockets were good in the Harden years, but failed to win a title. When he wanted out, things took a turn for the worse. Eventually, they'll bounce back with the building blocks in place.
That's where the national media has been unfair. My really close personal friend, Ken Hoffman (we text all the time), recently wrote about the outlandish take Pardon the Interruption cohost Tony Kornheiser put out about the Rockets. Kornheiser thinks Adam Silver doesn't want Victor Wembanyama in Houston because Tilman Ferttita doesn't know what he's doing. What?!? You mean the man who's built an extremely successful hospitality empire that's made him a billionaire owner of an NBA franchise? One thing that sticks out about Hoffy's article are the quotes from an NBA insider he spoke with. They contradict everything Kornheiser said. (Side Note: Don't call him Hoffy. He prefers Mr. Hoffman, or Ken. Only real friends can call him that.)
Another national media member to get something wrong about the Rockets was ESPN's Brian Windhorst. He added a line in a story about Jabari Smith Jr's development that said head coach Stephen Silas broke down after a game because he's been unable to reach this team. FAKE NEWS! That story was from two years prior and was refuted by Silas himself recently! There was no need to add that in the story. We all know and can see the frustration on Silas' face after every loss. The joy and elation after wins is evident as well. Why sensationalize an already rocky situation?
It even bled over into former Rocket player turned TNT analyst Kenny Smith. He recently blasted the Rockets as “one of the worst teams in professional sports.” I think the NFL's Commanders would like a word with Mr. Smith, so would MLB's Marlins. I could name several others, but you get the point. They aren't the best team in the league. In fact, their record says they're the worst. But to say one of the worst in pro sports seems a bit harsh. Especially considering the run they've been on since the All Star break.
Bottom line is these national media members talk with a whole lot of hot air in their hot takes. They spew whatever venom they want and think it'll get by without being checked. When players like Draymond Green and Brandon Ingram speak highly about this team right after playing them, that says something. Players will talk trash and go out of their way to diss other players in the name of competition. But when they make it a point to heap praise on an up-and-coming team/players, it hits different. Contrary to popular national media belief, this team is on the come up. Let them keep spitting their hot garbage. When they add another supremely talented rookie and some vets to this lineup, I want them to keep that same energy. Make sure you guys keep the receipts. I think we'll be making some returns in the near future.
CJ Stroud put a lot of Texans fans at ease when he showed up to mandatory minicamp on Tuesday and participated in throwing drills. Many were concerned that Stroud might have received surgery in the offseason, and that was keeping him from throwing at voluntary OTAs last week. But Stroud put that narrative to bed, denying any offseason surgery.
Stroud told the media that he's been working on getting his body right this offseason, focusing on, among other things, lowering his body fat, improving his hip flexibility, and gaining speed.
CJ implied that the extra training this offseason might have been a factor in the soreness that kept him from throwing last week, but that should be expected. Pushing your body can sometimes lead to soreness, but it's not anything to be worried about.
He also said he had been throwing prior to minicamp on Tuesday, but this is the first time the media has been around to witness it.
Thoughts on the new system
CJ had positive things to say about the Texans' new OC Nick Caley. He pointed out that he cares more about the "person" than the system. He likes the energy from his new OC, even saying Caley calls him frequently, but doesn't always answer because Caley is “always yelling.”
Stroud also confirmed that the new offense allows him to have more control at the line of scrimmage, something we heard he was wanting last season.
Caley and CJ have watched old videos from 2003 and 2004 of Tom Brady working with Josh McDaniels. They believe this will help Stroud learn how to take “ownership” of the protections.
You can watch the full interview in the video below.
So what else happened at mandatory minicamp?
Newly signed running back Nick Chubb participated in drills. Head coach DeMeco Ryans credited GM Nick Caserio with signing the four-time Pro Bowler.
Nick Chubb takes the handoff in first #Texans practice @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/P4X9NGXB4B
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 10, 2025
How did the receivers look?
The big play of the day came from 2nd round receiver Jayden Higgins, who caught this pass from Stroud against Kamari Lassister. This looks like a connection the Texans will count on for years to come.
🎯🎯🎯 pic.twitter.com/4wLhMtduBd
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 10, 2025
3rd rounder Jaylin Noel was in attendance but didn't participate.
Nico Collins and Stroud appear to be in midseason form.
Nico Collins showin’ ‘em how it’s done. #MiniCamp #Texans pic.twitter.com/Ir4qrGsL15
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) June 10, 2025
Anything new with the offensive line?
Not really. The Texans lineup up from left to right with Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson, Jake Andrews, Tytus Howard, and Blake Fisher. Later on, rookie Aireontae Ersery got some work in at left tackle.
Current #Texans O-Line combination protecting Stroud: LT Airenontae Ersery, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Jake Andrews, RG Tytus Howard, RT Blake Fisher.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) June 10, 2025
The Texans will wrap up minicamp Wednesday, and we'll keep you in the loop with any further developments.